textproduct: Quad Cities

KEY MESSAGES

- Seasonable temperatures this weekend will trend warmer through the upcoming week as we gradually climb back into the 50s/60s.

- Active pattern sets up over the area, with near-daily chances for precipitation Tuesday and beyond. Prior, we will see some weak waves pass through, bringing the potential for bouts of light snow. Precipitation will largely fall as rain Tuesday and beyond.

SHORT TERM /THROUGH SUNDAY/

Issued at 130 PM CST Sat Feb 28 2026

SPC mesoanalysis had a large area of high pressure building into the Upper Midwest with cool north/northeasterly flow extending down into northern Missouri and central Illinois. Locally across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois, early afternoon temperatures ranged from the lower 30s along Highway 20 to lower 40s along I-80 and mid/upper 40s in the far south. A narrow band of steady snow (moderate to heavy at times) has been ongoing this morning into the early afternoon across far northern Iowa, southern Minnesota and into southwest Wisconsin. A dry sub-cloud layer has limited the spatial extent of this snow band and anticipate much of the accumulating snow to remain north of the outlook area through this afternoon as a zone of mid-level Fgen (~700mb), the main forcing for ascent, passes to the ENE. Tonight will be seasonably cold with lows in the 20s and teens, with quiet conditions expected into Sunday AM. High pressure will remain in control on Sunday, leading to light ENE winds and temperatures in the 30s.

LONG TERM /SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY/

Issued at 130 PM CST Sat Feb 28 2026

An active weather pattern continues with multiple systems this week. Precipitation, ranging from snow on Sunday to rain the rest of the week, is expected as warmer temperatures return.

The first of these systems, a weak surface low, will pass south of the region Sunday night. Trends continue to bring any chances for precipitation further south, with the highest chances being along and south of Highway 34 (PoPs 30-50%). Any precipitation from this system is expected to be snow due to the thermal profile. Accumulations are expected to be light, with chances of exceeding 1 inch at only 10-20%. Minor to no impacts are expected due to recent warm temperatures warming up the ground and pavement.

Monday is the calm day in an otherwise active week. Upper level flows will transition from northwesterly to zonal throughout the day. Mild temperatures and dry conditions are expected, with temperatures in the 40s across the CWA due to weak WAA with low- level southerly flow.

After Monday, active weather returns. Tuesday is the first of many precipitation chances throughout the end of the week as an upper level low develops along the Rockies. Continued southerly flow will increase temperatures into the upper 40 to low 50s and bring much needed moisture into the region. As the system develops with a surface low in the Plains, precipitation is expected across much of the CWA, with rainfall of 0.25 inches or more likely at 50-80% exceedance in the NBM.

Additional precipitation chances continue Wednesday as this system continues to develop. At this time, questions still remain on the track, as ensembles and deterministic models disagree on where the surface low and an area of high pressure to the northeast will be located. While there is this uncertainty, it is highly likely that this and other disturbances through Friday will bring precipitation to much of the area, as 72-hour accumulations having a 40-70% chance of exceeding 1 inch of rainfall.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 1110 AM CST Sat Feb 28 2026

VFR generally expected to prevail today into Sunday morning with steady low-level flow out of the N/NE. Low chance for a brief period of light snow or flurries at DBQ this afternoon with majority of this activity likely to hold to the north.

DVN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

IA...None. IL...None. MO...None.